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Exploration into Magnus Carlsen's World through Dialogue with Sigma

At the MCC in Malta, Magnus Carlsen, looking worn out, prepared for media encounters following his taxing sessions.

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Insight into Magnus Carlsen's world, as revealed in his chat with Sigma
Insight into Magnus Carlsen's world, as revealed in his chat with Sigma

Exploration into Magnus Carlsen's World through Dialogue with Sigma

Laidback Chat with Magnus Carlsen as He Dives into Malta's Warm Embrace

Magnus Carlsen, the chess maestro, found himself a busy man amidst the hustle and bustle of his press interviews in a cozy, hidden room behind the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta. Surrounded by his crew, fans, security, journalists, and photographers all itching for a glimpse of the chess titan, Carlsen seemed a bit worn out. But we, with a chill vibe in mind, decided to keep the convo lively.

"It was a madcap conversation," Carlsen shared with SiGMA about his on-stage interview with Pierre Lindh, founder of Next.io. His voice was relaxed, introspective. "Obviously, the most grueling part for me was the chess match," he noted, reminiscing about his blindfolded skirmish against Maltese champion Colin Pace - a duel that, while predictably in his favor, was more challenging than anticipated. "He played like a boss, gave me a run for my money, and to tell you the truth, was better for most of the time." Despite the hurdle, Carlsen's competitive spirit gleamed, even with the blindfold on. "I didn't expect much difficulty today, but when I got into it, I didn't want to lose. So, I managed to balance myself and turn the game around," he concluded, modestly.

Carlsen's Malta adventure wasn't merely about chess moves - it was also about bonding with followers and planting flags in uncharted turf for the game. As the global ambassador for sports betting company, BETBY, he sees similarities between the game and the strategies of the gambling realm. "BETBY is a fresh and exciting company; it's wildly fun to be part of this adventure," he stated. "We're raring to go for this partnership and for it to keep growing in the coming years."

Chess: Back in the Game After COVID

Commenting on the rebirth of chess's popularity, Carlsen noticed the pandemic's influence and how the game was portrayed in the media. "During COVID, interest in chess skyrocketed - people were spending more time indoors," he observed. "It also coincided with the massive success of the miniseries 'The Queen's Gambit,' dropped in 2020." He also praised social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for attracting newbloods to chess.

Even with global stardom, Carlsen has kept his feet on the ground. "Being surrounded by so many people all the time doesn't exactly come naturally to me," he admitted. "I generally prefer to be with a smaller crew."

Carlsen's resume stands alone. He became a grandmaster at 13, clinched the highest rating in FIDE history - 2882 - in May 2014 (a record that's still in the books today), and held the world chess title from 2013 to 2023. His dominance spans classical, rapid, and blitz modes, and he keeps on competing at the zenith. At the Paris stage of the Freestyle Grand Slam, he vanquished American-Japanese grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, once again proving his undeniable genius.

At the end of the quickie talk, Carlsen showered Malta with praise. "I didn't know exactly what to expect, but it's been a fantastic experience. The weather is gorgeous, and walking around the historical center has been a pleasure." He planned to make the most of his remaining minutes before bidding adieu. "I'm leaving tomorrow morning, but I still have some time left in the afternoon to explore some more."

Carlsen isn't just a superstar - he speaks with a raw sincerity. There's no act, no filters. His direct honesty, combined with an absolutely extraordinary skill set, is what makes him a one-of-a-kind individual.

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Sources:[1] Article: Magnus Carlsen partners with BETBY: https://www.betby.co/news/magus-carlsen-partner-with-betby/[2] Article: Magnus Carlsen meets Betby team in Manila: https://www.betby.co/news/magus-carlsen-betby-manila/[3] Article: Magnus Carlsen joins BETBY team at Betting on Football: https://www.betby.co/news/magus-carlsen-betby-betting-on-football/[4] Article: BETBY Scoops Awards at SiGMA Asia Manila 2025: https://www.betby.co/news/bety-scoops-awards-at-sigma-asia-manila-2025/[5] Article: BETBY: The Swiss Army Knife of Sportsbooks: https://www.betby.co/insights/bety-the-swiss-army-knife-of-sportsbooks/

"Despite his busy schedule, Magnus Carlsen found time to discuss the similarities between chess and sports betting, as he serves as the global ambassador for BETBY."

"After his successful partnership with BETBY, Magnus Carlsen is looking forward to growing the collaboration in thefuture, reflecting his enthusiasm for all sports, including chess."

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